Gates County Courthouse

Gates County was formed in 1901 from the northern portion of Chippewa County. The new county was named Gates for Milwaukee land speculator James L. Gates. On December 5, 1901, the Gates County Board approved the bid of C.F. & C.A. Stanley of Chippewa Falls for the construction of the courthouse. The Gates County Courthouse was dedicated in June of 1902. In 1905, Gates County was renamed Rusk County to honor Jeremiah M. Rusk, a three-term governor of Wisconsin and the first U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, appointed by President Harrison. The courthouse remained in continuous use for nearly 94 years. The original building was razed in 1996 to make room for the new Rusk County Courthouse.

Many of the original furnishings were salvaged from the old courthouse and are on display in the Gates County Courthouse building at the Rusk County Historical Museum.

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3 weeks ago

Log Cabin Days !!!! Rusk County Historical Celebration!!
Saturday, June 8th at Rusk County Historical Museum located at the Fair Grounds in Ladysmith!!

Come enjoy stepping into yesterday with us !! Demonstrations of Weaving!!
Spinning!!
Children's Activities!!
Civil War Reinactiment !!
The New Wigwam !!

Acoustic Music at the Senior Center !!
Open to local Musicians !!

Flea Market from 8-3
A free will donation will get you the space you need to set up!!
Bring your own table!!
And fill with Arts, Crafts, Food or Garage Sale Items!! ... See more

History is being made every day and on May 3rd-5th...the "Governor's Fishing Opener' is coming to Ladysmith. The Museum will be open Friday, May 3 rd from 1 till 5 and Saturday, May 4th from 9 till 1.... Stop out and see what's new at the Museum and tell us how big of fish you caught !! Was it Historic? ... See more